Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Poland historically used to be a country of emigration rather than a country of immigration. Since Poland joined the European Union in 2004 emigration levels have risen. It is estimated around three million Poles left the country searching for better work and living opportunities in European countries such as United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, etc. Since 2016 Poland has experienced important shift in migration patterns with reduced emigration and enormous immigration increase form eastern neighbouring countries mainly Ukraine and Belarus. The aim of the research is to investigate the living and working conditions of foreign workers, levels of social integration within the local community and attitudes toward settlement in Poland. Data has been gathered from 500 immigrants from Ukraine and Belarus which were economically active (either working or seeking for job) in Pomorskie, the northern region of Poland.